Richard wrote -

<snip>
Although Michael Price decribed some hypothetical situations that might cause harm upon the eye
of birds, wildlife, and people, I suspect the odds of actually ever
causing harm is virtually nil <snip>

While on training back in Toronto in September 1998, I met an airforce
chopper pilot who was in the process of being medically discharged for
retinal burning and scarring, apparently caused by a laser device. He
had been out in the Pacific on manoeuvers accompanied by "watchdog"
Soviet vessels. He felt a momentary burning sensation in his left eye
and his fellow officer with him noticed an intense small red light such
as is typical of lasers located on the Soviet vessel. Although it
cannot be proven beyond a doubt, the circumstantial evidence suggests
that he was "hit" by a laser beam, probably of greater power
than those readily available as audio-visual aids.

The risk is there and real, but at what power levels the risk becomes
appreciable I do not know.

-----
Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jbowling at direct.ca